First, be sure the balance is level using the bubble level on the base and the adjusting screws. Then remove all the weights, for a Kaufman I think (but am not sure, I have the AMF version and you don't remove the hanger with it) that includes removing the hanger. Set both sliding weights to zero and adjust the knurled weight adjustment knob so it balances. I don't know of any checks other than these. -- JohnP